Method

Start by heating your oven to 180C and grab your squash. You need to get the seeds out of the centre, so cut off the ends and halve it. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Dribble olive oil over the squash; add a pinch of salt and roast for 40 mins.

Gather your brain-fortifying nuts, put them on a tray and toast in the oven for a few minutes. “Then, carefully pour them into a tea towel, wrap them up and rub them together. This little chef trick will cause the skins to just slide off.” Take a rolling pin and crush the nuts.

Get a cooking pot, put it on a low heat and grab your onion. Skin it, chop it and chuck it into the pot with oil and a pinch of salt. “Cover and cook until soft and pale – red onions lose colour when cooked.” Chop your carrot and celery into rough discs, and add them to the pot and cook for five minutes. Throw in the garlic clove and turmeric and cook for another minute to bring the aroma out- then remove from the heat.

Take the squash out of the oven. Peel the skin and scoop flesh into the pot of veg. Bring it back to the hob, pour the chicken stock over the veg and reduce to simmer. Once the vegetables are soft, remove them from the heat, pour into a blender and blitz until smooth. Return to the heat and sprinkle on the salt and fresh black pepper.

Serve up your hot soup in bowl and scatter over the roasted hazelnuts, drizzle with a little olive oil to finish.

Daily Upgrade Newsletter

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE MEN'S HEALTH NEWSLETTERS

We sift through all the day's new research and studies to provide all – and only – what you need to know

Workouts and recipes from the best trainers and nutritionists in the world

Fitness challenges, culture picks, quizzes and everything else you need to make the most of your downtime

Enter your email address:

Please tick if you would prefer not to receive news & special offers from Hearst Magazines UK.
Please tick if you would like to receive news & special offers from selected partners of Hearst Magazines UK
Please tick if you would also like to receive the Men's Health Newsletter
Please tick if you would also like to receive the Men's Health Style Newsletter